The BIG secret

Hello and happy FALL everyone!

Isn't this weather just glorious?  Here in North Texas we are sitting at a woppin' 53 degrees today!  It is absolutely wonderful!  Our 13 year old Alaskan Husky agrees!  She has been frisky and full of energy today!

So, you may be wondering "what is this big secret I have had to keep???"  Well, my brother and sister(-n-law) celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on August 15th this year.  They renewed their vows in Las Vegas  July 20th.  We were not able to attend due to the whole unemployment thing but we made up for that by my making them a very special and personalize gift.  :-) 

I subscribe to Primitive Quilts & Projects quarterly magazine.  If you are not familiar with this magazine and like primitive things, please rush to their website and take a peek!  (http://www.primitivequiltsandprojects.com/)  I promise you will NOT be disappointed!  Well, as I was trying to decide what in the world I was going to make Jerry and Tonya for their gift, I received the Spring 2012 issue.  Inside was a wallhanging called "Marriage".  I knew as soon as I saw it that it was the perfect way to express the pride and love we feel for Jerry and Tonya!

Well, I am not very good at waiting until the designated celebration/holiday to give a gift.  I have fought this battle all of my life!  I just get so excited and anxious that I cave and give gifts before the intended date.  This time, however; I was a good girl!  I made it 2 months past the actual anniversary date without spilling the beans!  I mailed the gift on Monday...insuring it so that I might be able to replace the fabric in the event it disappeared in the postal system... and they received it Thursday!  We Skyped so I could see them open the box.  I think they like it...at least a little!  ;-)

Here it is:

A full view of the wallhanging

A close up shot of the hand embroidery and quilting

I am proud of the way this turned out and so glad that they love it so much!  Was worth the anticipation and all the work put into making it special!

There are plenty more projects in the works around here.  I will be sure to share as I get things done.

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day!

~ J